River City Six: Conner Koerperich
Rob-See-Co (www.robseeco.com) is a family owned and operated regional seed company with roots that go back more than 125 years and five generations. At Rob-See-Co you’ll work with local people who have a passion for the seed business, benefitting from the combination of today’s technology and producer-friendly relationships. Conner Koerperich is a Direct Sales Representative with Rob-See-Co.
Tell us a little about your business.
Rob-See-Co was established in 2013 with the goal of getting the seed buying industry back to the way it used to be and making it fun again. Inspired in response to the mergers and acquisitions that dramatically changed the seed business, our business model was designed to bring back everything that makes working with a regional seed company great – with local people who have a passion for the seed business.
How did you get started in the business?
I knew I was going to have a career in the Ag industry at a very early age. I grew up in northeastern Colorado and my family ran a good-sized cow-calf operation. My dad has been in the Ag industry his whole life and sold seed for 35 years. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and started out in the corporate world of seed companies. When the opportunity presented itself to join an independent seed company that was just starting out and help it grow that inspired me and I jumped at the chance.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
I’d have to say networking. You can’t meet enough people in my industry. I once heard when you’ve met one farmer, you’ve only met one farmer. You need to strive to meet them all and develop personal relationships.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
For me it’s the sum total of everything I’ve done to date, and especially starting out fresh as the face of the company in my area and the success I’ve achieved in a short time. I’m pretty proud of where I’ve gotten thus far in under a year and am eager to see the business continually grow.
Tell us a little about your family.
My immediate family all resides in Lincoln. I’m the oldest of 3, with 2 younger sisters who both go to UNL and are pursuing degrees in elementary education. My mom owns a clothing store and my dad is a regional sales manager for another seed company.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
This time of year I’m a big waterfowl junkie. I enjoy hanging out in the duck blind hunting ducks and geese. In the summer I play as much as golf as I can. I’m not very good, but I enjoy playing!
What are you the most proud of?
Earning my college degree; it has opened so many doors for me. I graduated from UNL with a degree in Ag Business and Agronomy with a minor in Entrepreneurship. It’s really paid off and has been a major contributor to where I am today.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t half-ass anything. Don’t leave any job undone.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
When I find myself in Omaha it would be 801 Chophouse at the Paxton or Omaha Prime.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Gary Vaynerchuk, an American entrepreneur who’s brutally honest with feedback and methods.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They’re welcome to call me anytime at (402) 937-3457 or email me at ckoerperich@robseeco.com. Or, visit us online at www.robseeco.com.